69传媒Women鈥檚 Rugby secures commitment from Adrianna Platis for 2024 season
In Atlantic University Sport (AUS) rugby circles, Adrianna Platis鈥檚 name has been floating among scouts and coaches for years.
Her talent on the field is undeniable, and the coveted prospect had the potential to become a game-changer for any team lucky enough to secure her commitment.
After careful deliberation, Platis ultimately chose the 69传媒Panthers as her next team.
鈥淎s I went through the recruiting process, everything always came back to UPEI. Coach Voye played a big part in my decision to attend UPEI,鈥� Platis said. 鈥淚 see what he鈥檚 done with the program over the years, and it shows that he鈥檚 a top-level coach.鈥�
What made 69传媒stand out from the rest is their recent success including their first-ever AUS championship in 2022, the opportunity to play on the national stage, and the team鈥檚 camaraderie.
鈥淚 saw how tightly knit this group is, and I want to be a part of that,鈥� Platis said. 鈥淚 see the talent this team has, and I believe we鈥檙e going to continue to be contenders for the next number of years. I鈥檓 very excited to be part of that.鈥�
Platis is expected to come in and replace all-star Tessa Hood鈥攚ho has completed her AUS career鈥攁t the hooker position after making waves in New Brunswick. The 17-year-old from Shediac Cape recently served as an assistant captain for Moncton High School and was a member of the New Brunswick Spruce under-19 team, which captured a silver medal at the Atlantic Rugby Championships this past summer. Looking ahead to her role with the Panthers, Platis could be the first key piece in transforming the team鈥檚 front row, a unit that has been dominant for years but is set to undergo significant changes in the next year or two.
鈥淭he acquisition of Adrianna was an important one for the future of the team and the front row, as she will arrive at training camp with an opportunity to start at the hooker position as a rookie,鈥� said head coach James Voye. 鈥淎drianna has an impressive work ethic. She is a student-athlete with a high-performance attitude who understands that doing the extras will help the team achieve their goals.鈥�
Platis is a versatile and physical force on the field with the strength to hold her own in scrums and rucks. But what truly sets her apart is her exceptional speed and agility for a player in the front row.
鈥淎drianna is an exceptional defender and will make an impact right away,鈥� Voye said. 鈥淪he鈥檚 also an evasive ball carrier who knows how to use her footwork, strength, speed, and aggression to create gaps and make good decisions.鈥�
As the team鈥檚 newest addition, Platis says she鈥檚 ready to embrace the challenges ahead and help build on the Panthers鈥� bright future.
